‘8 terrorists seeking Philippines sanctuary’
MANILA, Philippines - At least eight terrorists – including those from Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore – are seeking sanctuary in the country, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) intelligence officer Maj. Gen. Felimon Santos Jr. confirmed before a committee in the House of Representatives yesterday.
Santos made the disclosure after he was asked about the presence of foreign terrorists who may be in collusion with local rebels.
Malaysian authorities, he added, discovered that terrorists have been using Sabah to enter the country.
He also told lawmakers that the Duterte administration’s relentless campaign against the Abu Sayyaf bandits has been intensified, although they are still holding at least 27 hostages.
AFP chief of staff General Eduardo Año said the Abu Sayyaf has been attempting to expand its terrorist activities outside central Mindanao to show that their operations are getting wider.
It even targeted Metro Manila, he added, but government forces were able to thwart their attempts.
The Abu Sayyaf’s operations allegedly remain largely in central Mindanao, particularly in Lanao province where the bandit group has established its stronghold.
Reports said that foreign terrorists are being coddled by the Abu Sayyaf and other rebel groups in Basilan, Sulu and Central Mindanao.
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